Mali fall short as Senegal march on at Afcon 2025
Here’s the story everyone across African football is talking about today. Senegal are through to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after a tense 1–0 win over Mali, and it was a night that summed up both teams’ tournaments in one tight, dramatic contest.
The decisive moment came midway through the first half. Senegal applied steady pressure, moved the ball quickly down the right, and when a low cross slipped through the Mali goalkeeper’s grasp, Iliman Ndiaye was waiting. From close range, the Everton forward calmly finished, scoring his first goal of the tournament and giving the reigning champions a lead they would never give up.
From there, the game took on a very different feel. Mali were already walking a disciplinary tightrope, something that has followed them throughout this competition. Just before half-time, captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after picking up a second yellow card, leaving his side with ten men for the entire second half. That moment effectively shifted the balance of the match.
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Despite being a man down, Mali didn’t collapse. They tried to stay compact, defended deep, and looked for moments to counter. Senegal, meanwhile, controlled possession and created chances, but finishing those chances proved harder than expected. Edouard Mendy was called into action at the other end too, making key saves to preserve Senegal’s narrow advantage as Mali searched for an equaliser.
This match is trending now because it carries major weight in the context of Afcon 2025. Senegal are former champions and came into the tournament with heavy expectations. Reaching the semi-finals keeps them firmly on track for another title run. For Mali, the story is more painful. This is another quarter-final exit, and once again, discipline has been a decisive issue, with red cards undermining an otherwise talented squad.
The consequences are clear moving forward. Senegal stay in Tangier and prepare for a heavyweight semi-final against either Egypt or Ivory Coast, a clash that already has fans buzzing. Their defence looks solid, their midfield experienced, but questions remain about whether they can be more ruthless in front of goal against stronger opposition.
For Mali, the focus will turn inward. There is quality in this team, but repeated dismissals and missed opportunities have cost them when it mattered most. Exiting without a single win in the tournament will spark serious reflection about how this promising generation can finally turn potential into progress.
So, Senegal move on, Mali bow out, and Afcon 2025 continues to narrow toward its defining moments. The margin between success and disappointment has been razor-thin, and as we head into the semi-finals, the pressure is only getting heavier.
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